"Residents were amazed to see how the fish held on to the snake's head and refused to let go. Even attempts by residents to free the snake failed," according to the Facebook post on Thursday, 10 December.

The video, shared on the social media page of the news website, went viral within hours.

For the uninitiated, the African sharptooth catfish or Clarias gariepinus is known for eating living and dead animals, and can survive in shallow mud for a long time.

It is mainly found in freshwater lakes and rivers in Africa, the Middle East, Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia and India.

Watch the viral video below:

WHEN A FISH TRIES TO EAT A SNAKE!In a bizarre incident an African Cat fish tried to eat a snake. The incident took place in the Shivamogga district. The residents were amazed to see how the fish held on to the snake's head and refused to leave. Even the attempts by residents to free the snake failed.